I found a swarm in my carport in an old nuc box on Tuesday the 10th. I don't want these bees. I have 8 hives when I intended to have 5 this year. It's a vigorous hive - tons of bees on the five frames. I have a friend whose second hive died and would love to have these.
Do I need to wait until they are truly established in this nuc box before moving them? I'd like to take them to her this weekend - maybe tomorrow evening.
The only downside I can think of is if they had a virgin queen who hasn't yet returned from mating, but if that's the case, and they moved in on Tuesday, shouldn't she be back by now?
I haven't opened the hive - maybe I should to see if there's a laying queen.
All advice appreciated.
Linda T in Atlanta
I would just tell your friend what's going on and then cut them loose.
...JP